Wagner's Letters

Richard Wagner to Franz Liszt

October 26, 1853 · Paris

Overview

Wagner writes from the immediate aftermath of parting, saying that he can only stand in silence after Liszt and that words would do violence to feeling. He adds only a few practical notes, namely that he will return home the next day, hopes still to see Liszt's children first, failed to find Madame Kalergy at home, and will write again from Zurich.

Letter

Here I stand and stare after you; my whole being is silence. Let me not seek words, even for you. Speech seems to exist only to do violence to feeling. Therefore no violence, but silence! I have not much news for you from the world. Tomorrow I start for home, but shall see your children before I go. Madame Kalergy I did not find at home and am doubtful whether I shall see her. Make my excuses to her. From Zurich I shall write to you again.

Richard Wagner

Source: Project Gutenberg eBook #3835, Correspondence of Wagner and Liszt — Volume 1, No. 135

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